The workplace needs to be as safe a place as possible for those working in it. PPE exists to help safeguard the well-being and safety of workers, and is vital in terms of best practice and risk mitigation. PPE includes items such as safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses. It also includes respiratory protective equipment...
We have two new full-time, permanent job opportunities to join our ever growing team in our Newry offices. Both jobs require individuals who are highly organised, confident in speaking with both clients and colleagues with a highly motivated 'can-do' attitude. Full job descriptions are below: Occupational Health Administrator Main duties & responsibilities Deliver effective secretarial and administrative support to the OH team...
This years Men's Health Week runs 11th-17th June and the primary focus is on diabetes. Did you know: Diabetes is more common in men than women? Men are more likely to suffer complications? Men are more likely to face amputation as a result of their diabetes? Men are more likely to die from diabetes? What is diabetes? Most people know there are two...
Working in the sun can be enjoyable and do wonders for our mood; however, too much sun can be harmful to health in the short term and long term. A suntan may give us a ‘healthy glow’ but it is actually a sign of damaged skin, caused by ultraviolet rays in sunlight. If you or your employees earn a living...
Everyone will go through periods of good and poor mental health, the same as we do physical health. With 1 in 5 employees currently experiencing mental health problems, it should be an essential business concern for all organisations. Supporting mental health in the workplace is vital as staff who have positive mental health are more productive and businesses who promote...
There are two types of conditions commonly associated with vibration exposure. Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) This is the medical term for symptoms caused by vibration damage that can occur in the fingers, hands and arms when working with vibrating tools or machinery. HAVS is divided into three subgroups: neurological disorders, vascular and musculoskeletal. 1. Neurological injuries Early symptoms are usually tingling and/or numbness in...
COPD is an umbrella term for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties. This is due to the narrowing of airways making it difficult to empty air out of the lungs. Shortness of breath, cough and the production of small amounts of phlegm every day are the most common symptoms. What causes COPD? COPD usually develops because of long-term damage...
Mental Health and the Workplace Mental ill health affects 1 in 4 people in Northern Ireland and can present itself in many forms, from stress and anxiety to depression and bipolar disorder. Poor mental health is one of the biggest issues in the workplace today where between 10% and 25% of fulltime employees may be experiencing mental ill health. Workplace factors such as...
Greater Newry Business Awards 2017 On Thursday 28th September, the Health Matters team attended the Greater Newry Business Awards 2017. The event was held at the Canal Court Hotel, Newry and was attended by over 500 guests from a large number of businesses in the Newry area. Mark Simpson from the BBC was our host for the evening where awards were...
We are delighted that Health Matters’ brand new premises in Belfast city centre officially opened for business last week. Over the course of our opening week we carried out almost 30 occupational health clinic appointments as well as 9 Health and Safety training courses! Our building is 3000 sq. ft. based in the centre of Belfast and consists of occupational health clinics...